Ah, spring! The season of hope, rejuvenation, and... allergies. As my immune system transitions into a state of chaos, so has my closet. It's like a fashion free-for-all. I'm throwing on anything that vaguely fits the weather forecast, from wool scarves to woven basket bags. My outfits have gone from carefully curated to completely chaotic, and I'm loving every minute of it. I've dug up clothes from the depths of my closet that haven't seen the light of day in months and embraced the unpredictability of the season by experimenting with textures, prints, and colors.
Transitional dressing is like a game of sartorial Jenga - it's all about finding the perfect balance between too hot and too cold. Think lightweight trench coats, versatile loafers, and cozy cashmere sweaters in bright hues. These are the pieces that will carry you through the tricky in-between period and into the warmer months ahead.
Today, I'm sharing some of the pieces that have caught my eye lately - the ones that could be the missing link between winter and summer. Will they actually make it into my closet? Only time will tell.
Finds of the Month:
Products I’m wish-listing, wearing, or coveting
A. A Modern Heirloom
Alighieri Unreal City Ring Set, $400 - On the ferry ride to Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, last month, I formed a crush on a woman from Prague who was wearing these rings. I couldn’t stop staring at them and had to ask her where they were from. She styled them with beat-up Bottega sandals, and a faded Maharishi baseball cap. I imagined that she’s the kind of person who doesn't deem anything in her closet too precious—who lives each day in her favorite pieces—a style philosophy to which more of us should subscribe.
B. Full Length Leather Coat
Reformation x Veda Orchard Leather Coat, $548 - This spring, New York-based brand Veda expanded its collaboration with Reformation to include several of-the-moment outerwear silhouettes. Of all the new styles they launched, I’m wish-listing a full-length leather coat. I love its relaxed fit which can be worn open or closed.
C. Modern Clogs
Aeyde Bibi Clogs, $250 - I know I’ve written about clogs a few times, but they are such a great transitional-weather shoe. I like that these have a black wooden sole and studded detailing which makes them feel more modern.
D. Thin Leather Belt
Refine The Lauren 10 Belt, $190 - Elevate your outfit with this simple styling trick: add a belt. This slender leather belt, handcrafted in Italy, can be worn high on the waist or slung low on the hips. With its timeless design and versatile silhouette, it's a worthwhile investment, in my book.
E. Billowy White Top
Dôen Hedia Top, $248 - As my personal style has developed, I've found myself gravitating away from traditional garden florals brands like Dôen are famous for . That said, their Hedia Top has caught my eye with its whimsical ruffles and lightweight fabric. I see it as the perfect pairing for casual denim or playful overalls, making it a versatile piece to have on hand.
F. Open Knit Sweater
Massimo Dutti Cropped Knit Sweater, $119 - I can’t help but notice how good Massimo Dutti looks lately. Their new collection reminds me of early 2010s Zara (curated collections and better-made products). I have a few things in my cart currently, like this easy open knit sweater that is a great transitional piece into warmer weather.
G. An Interesting Crossbody Bag
Hereu Lluna Nova Crossbody Bag, $400 - I’ve been looking for a black crossbody bag that doesn’t have visible hardware and that offers plenty of space but isn’t boring! Enter: Hereu. I’ve always been a big fan of the brand and love this bag’s woven detailing and crescent shape. The adjustable straps make it easy to wear crossbody or on my shoulder.
Recently Discovered:
Savette - This sophisticated leather handbag brand was started by Amy Zurek, a co-founder of The Row. Each bag is aesthetically refined yet functional, with a sophisticated silhouette, and made of exceptional Italian leather. I am especially fond of their Tondo hobo.
Subtle Le Nguyen - I found this Vietnamese based brand through Brittany Bathgate and currently have this layered top on my wishlist. They are inspired by Vietnamese heritage and experimental design techniques. I love how they take classic styles like a blazer or pencil skirt and turn them on their head with elegant draping and subtle (true to its name) details. They remind me of a price-friendlier Peter Do.
Finds With Substance:
Swarm - My partner and I recently started watching this new show, and we are absolutely obsessed (which is no surprise, considering our love for Atlanta - also created by Donald Glover). It's a gripping social horror thriller that explores themes of grief and the dark side of stan culture, all while centering black women.
Line dancing - Every Wednesday, my friends and I gather in the basement of an East Village Ukrainian restaurant where we line dance to tunes like Madonna’s Don’t Tell Me. It’s been a while since I’ve felt unbridled joy dancing (or have been out past 10 p.m. on a work night) and I have our teacher, Tenaya Kelleher, to thank for that.
Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez - I couldn’t put down this book. Highly recommend it if you’re looking for a fiction read that examines cultural identity in relation to the American Dream.
Ooo that belt though.. lovely.
tell me more about the line dancing!